Is Citizen Science a valid tool for monitoring alien species in Marine Protected Areas?

We report on our experience of NIS monitoring within the Egadi Islands MPA and at Pianosa Island National Park of Tuscan Archipelago through Citizen Science projects The Projects Caea cdacea Egadi Islands and Aliens in the Sea allowed to gather useful information on the distribution and colonisation strategies of NIS and cryptogenic species within the Egadi Islands MPA The project Percorsi nel bluBlue Paths allowed to register the first record of two cryptogenic species, Aa dacea Rang, and Pec gbbe H Milne Edwards, , at Pianosa Island As in MPAs the protection does not hinder the introduction and spreading of NIS, we expect they are likely to continue to arrive and expand in the absence of …

First record of the invasive crab Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne Edwards) at Pianosa Island: the second goal reached by the innovative Marine Citizen Science Literacy Project PERCORSI NEL BLU (BLUE PATHS)

This study represents the second scientific goal reached by the operating Project Team and the first record of the cryptogenic species Pec gbbe H Milne Edwards, at Pianosa Island October During a Scuba survey, almost specimens of P gbbe were recorded up to a depth of m and analyzed, according to some indicators such as health state, sex, morphology, and parameters such as temperature, covering of algal species, type of rocky bottom This tropical Atlantic grapsid crab is considered as the most invasive decapod currently expanding its distribution in the Mediterranean Sea.

NON-INDIGENOUS SPECIES AND MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiversity. NIS may in time become invasive (i.e. invasive alien species “IAS”) and may cause biodiversity loss and ecosystem service changes. In the Mediterranean Sea, due to multiple human-borne stressors, the number of recorded NIS has currently reached a number around 1000 NIS. Sicily and its surrounding islands, also including a high number of Marine Protected Area (MPAs), as a consequence of their geographic position and the intense maritime traffic volumes, including fisheries and recreational fleets that foster the introduction of marine alien species, is a region particularly vulnerable and …

Composizione e struttura della comunità di fouling in un impianto di maricoltura (Golfo di Castellammare, Sicilia N-O)

Citizens and scientists work together to monitor marine alien macrophytes

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) is an ongoing phenomenon which has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiversity at different levels. NIS may in time become invasive (Invasive Alien Species “IAS”) and may cause biodiversity loss and ecosystem service changes. The Mediterranean Sea is an important hotspot for marine NIS (ca. 1,000 such species recorded to date. To reduce the risk of future IAS introduction and to better understand their invasive potential and spread dynamics, monitoring and surveillance plans are required. The creation of permanent alarm systems and public awareness campaigns are crucial for reducing the risk of IAS introduction. Since intensive monitor…